Boars Head Viewing

Earlier this year I travelled to Germany as a guest of German friends who I had previously taken out deer stalking on my patch. Accompanied by my colleague Mark who had also been invited we were looking forward to three days hunting wild boar in Hessen Forest. By the end of the trip I had shot my first boar and Mark had shot two. One of these proved to be the finest specimen shot in that area for many years. He left it in Germany to be professionally mounted.
Last night we were invited to view the head now taking pride of place in Marks study. It has been rated as a gold medal trophy so understandably we celebrated with a glass or two of Dalwhinnie which seemed a good idea at the time but not so now. Still hungover mid afternoon. Hopefully I will make a full recovery ready for the Game Fair at Weston Park tomorrow.
On another alcohol related matter this is the first year I haven't picked sloes or bullace from our hedges. Total crop failure. Plenty of damsons in orchard though so it will be those used with gin this year.
A good crop of raspberries ready. I made the stupid mistake of planting summer fruiting canes mixed with autumn fruiting ones last autumn and will now have a pruning problem identifying each.